Thursday, October 27, 2011

Could a Gluten Intolerance Be Making You Sick?

It’s a bit of a challenge to avoid gluten in your diet, and it can be a little heartbreaking to have to try. After all, most of our favorite carbohydrates contain it! This special type of protein is found in abundance in wheat, rye, barley, and more… then baked into breads, crackers, and pastas. Gluten can also be hidden in foods you don’t expect, like vanilla extract, candy, broth, or yogurt.

For people who suffer from Araceli disease or even milder versions of gluten intolerance, eating just a few bites of gluten can disrupt their digestive systems or cause damage to their intestinal linings. Experts currently estimate that 43 percent of the population has some level of gluten intolerance; this means that it’s a very real possibility you could be upsetting your gastrointestinal tract with just a slice of bread or your next bowl of pasta. Here’s what you should consider:
  • Watch for symptoms. While food allergies may cause distinct, immediate reactions, the effects of a food intolerance may be more subtle. You may develop fatigue, weight gain, bloating (especially in the face), and digestive issues like gas, heartburn, diarrhea, or constipation.
  • Consider testing. Celiac disease is often diagnosed using either a blood test, stool test, or an intestinal biopsy — though it isn’t always caught right away. If you suspect that a gluten intolerance is causing your health issues, consult your doctor or, if you'd like to look into it yourself, order a food-allergy panel or a celiac antibody screen.
  • Try out the gluten-free diet. These days, gluten-free versions of your favorite foods are more available than ever, including pastas and breads. Consider taking a break from gluten for a month to see if your weight loss and your overall health improve. (Be aware that you’ll need to watch out for “hidden” gluten, in things like modified food starch, thickening agents, caramel coloring, MSG, flavored coffee, and soy sauce.) You may discover that avoiding gluten is your ticket to feeling great.
There’s nothing fun about making sacrifices, but some of them are totally worth it. How important to you is good health

P2 Deals of the week

King Soopers
Chicken Breast $1.99 lb
English Cucumbers $1
Hot House Tomoatoes .99 lb
Organic Honey Crisp Apples $1.99 lb

Albertsons
93% Ground Beef $2.49 lb
Petite Sirloins  buy one get one FREE

Sunflower
Rio Red Grapefruits 4 for $1
Onions 2 lbs $1
On the vine Tomatoes .88 lb
Strawberries 2 for $5
Apples .99 lb
Organic Onions .99 lb
93% Ground Beef 40% off
Ground Chicken Breast 40% off
Chicken Breast $2.99 lb
Organic Apples $1.77lb

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Why does my 2nd, 3rd, or 4th round seem harder!

Subsequent rounds of the HCG can be very different from the first. When we are heavier, our body has the ability to "choose" which fat cells will be metabolized with the least negative affect on the system. If the circulatory and nervous systems of the body are taxed, the body will innately choose fat cells that contain less harmful toxins to be metabolized. When we are heavy, this task must be pretty easy. However, since our bodies are in survival mode all the time, asking the body to move into deeper levels of toxicity before it is ready, will cause the system to halt the release of stored fat, in an effort to protect the body.


The second and third rounds of HCG will require that the body dig into fat stores that might possibly contain metals, pesticides, preservatives, chemicals, dental materials, vaccination residue, synthetic drug residue . . . not to mention any causitory elements like yeast, mold/fungus, virus, parasites, and bacteria.


The body is so good at "hiding" unwanted elements in the fat cells when it does not have the resources or the ability to move it from the system. And, to maintain a survivable level of pH in the interstitial fluid, the body will retain water (even from the intestinal tract) to buffer the cells against the acid produced from the fat soluble toxins. So, here is a kindergarten analogy:

1. We come into this program in a deficient state. (plain and simple, we are all somewhat acidic, toxic, and depleted)

2. We ask the body to burn stored fat for fuel. (plain and simple, our fat is toxic and acidic - although, this fat does also contain nutrients as well)

3. Since our body has to keep within a safe level of pH, the release of acidic elements during the diet could force our body to use up more of it's important vitamin and mineral reserves in order to balance and neutralize the acidity.

4. When B-Vitamin and Trace Mineral reserves become depleted in the body, the adrenal glands begin to feel the stress, and then kick into their survival mode.

5. Adrenals, when stressed, make the body CRAVE simple carbohydrates in order to get quick and easily assimilated foods into the system. Adrenals play a large role in the body's ability to balance blood sugar. Think about it . . . an athlete coming off the field will never crave a steak and broccoli . . . they crave hydrating sugar/sport drinks, or simple carbos to load up their system again. Remember, this depletion is not about health, but about the actual "survival" of the stressed organism (body).


6. So, when the body becomes stressed (mentally, physically, and nutritionally) it creates an overly acidic condition. The body responds with the use of minerals and vitamins to neutralize the acid. The vitamin and mineral usage causes a depletion which stresses the adrenals and thyroid, and the result can lead to uncharacteristic cravings for sugar and carbohydrates out of the blue!

7. It is important to alkalize our body (green drinks, alkalized water, mineral supplements, etc) so it doesn't have to use it's mineral stores to create balance. If we are already doing our best to introduce alkalizing elements, then our mineral reserves won't get used up and we have a better chance of staying in appetite suppression during Phase 2 of the diet.

8. A depleted thyroid can play a part in appetite. There are elements in the HCG Phase 2 product that can be support, however, some individuals would do well to seek out a natural thyroid supplement. If a participant is currently taking thyroid medication, they should seek the advice of their physician to determine the correct dosage of their medication during this time. There are many good thyroid supplements to choose from. Find a naturopath near you, or go to your local health food store and inquire. Our thyroid gland is responsible for so many important physical and emotional functions in the body and mind. If ravishing hunger persists, seek out a supplement to assist you! All forms of Kelp have iodine which can bring the thyroid back into balance.

9. Yeast, can play a role in cravings as well. This program is just like being on a yeast cleanse. We are eliminating sugars and starches, which feed yeast. As the food supply for the yeast begins to dwindle, the cravings for simple sugars and starches increases. If we can resist the temptation, there will be a yeast kill-off, and the cravings will subside. Yeast can be a "hunger culprit" in later rounds of Phase 2. If yeast, mold or fungus has been an issue in the past, the body would be well served by adding in Acidophilus or Pro-Biotics during this time.

How do I resolve this issue?First, we have to start looking at the body as being really smart! If the body is lacking in a certain nutrient, it will begin to search the system for alternatives. The only problem with this, is that eventually ~ other systems, organs, glands become depleted as well.

We have not been taught to supplement our daily intake of food with extra nutrition. But think on this: it takes 26 apples today, to equate the same nutritive quality of 1 apple from 1915. It takes 23 peaches today to equate the same nutritive quality of 1 peach from 1950! This is disturbing to say the least! Is it a wonder why we are all more hungry most of the time? The nutrients our bodies are craving cannot be attained from just a single serving anymore. It takes much more food to overcome the deficiencies we face today.

It is highly recommended that individuals get on a good B-Complex and a good trace mineral support while in Phase 2. This will help the body recover at a faster rate, and supply the body with good foundational nutrition during this period of rapid change. These nutrients would be helpful in Phase 3, 4 and continued into everyday life as well. Our toxic nation is only going to continue to deplete our bodies, our systems, organs and glands.

So, supplement!! Find a good quality "food state" vitamin and take it EVERY DAY. Find a good Trace Mineral supplement and take it EVERY DAY. Find a good B-Complex vitamin and take it EVERY DAY. Research higher pH water sources and drink ample 7.0 or higher, filtered water EVERY DAY!!



P2 Deals of the week

King Soopers
Honey Crisp Apples $1.99 lb
Organic Fuji Apples .99 lb
Onions 2 for $3

Albertsons
Chicken Breast $1.99
Petite Sir loins Buy one get one FREE
Asparagus $2.99 lb
Tomatoes on the vine $1.99 lb

Sunflower
Honey Crisp Apples $1.99 lb
Super Select Cucumbers 2 for $1
Red or Green Leaf Lettuce .88 ea
Hot House Cucumbers .99 ea
Roma Tomatoes .99 lb
Yellow Onions 2 for $3
Chicken Tenders $3.99 lb



Thursday, October 13, 2011

Food For Thought

Two Worst Foods for Your Weight

For people trying to lose weight, here's the good news: Nutrition researchers have scoped out the enemy. And these two foods are the top waistline assassins: potato chips and soda.

Everyone knows to cut back on junk food. But in a recent, large study examining what foods were most associated with weight gain, potato chips and sweetened drinks stood out as the ultimate arch villains.

Not All Snacks Created Equal
The basic blueprint of healthy living is simple: Eat less junk food, stay active, get a good night's sleep, drink alcohol only in moderation, and don't smoke. But scientists have now started to suspect that when it comes to junk food, some snacks are worse than others.

So in a recent study, they tracked more than 100,000 Americans over two decades to see who gained the most weight and what foods they ate. And they found that regularly having potatoes -- especially chips -- and sugar-sweetened drinks was most associated with an expanding waistline.



Good Maintenence Eating ~ Eat Italian — Live Longer!

Tomatoes, basil, and olive oil aren’t just the building blocks of delicious Italian cuisine — they’re also the perfect combination of ingredients if you’re looking to lose weight and eat healthier. How exciting is that? Here’s a look at how each of these superfoods can benefit your body.
  • Tomatoes. Tomatoes are loaded with lycopene, a phytonutrient and antioxidant. Lycopene has been proven to protect against a whole slew of cancers, including colorectal, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and pancreatic…and it has heart-protective qualities as well! While fresh tomatoes are wonderful for your health, cooked tomatoes, such as those in tomato sauce or even ketchup, actually contain more lycopene than their fresh counterparts.
  • Basil. This pungent herb is rich in antioxidants like vitamins A and C and flavonoids, which can help protect your cells from damage and improve your heart health. It can also inhibit bacterial growth — including dangerous strains of bacteria like staphylococcus.
  • Olive oil. Not all fats are bad: This monounsaturated oil can be a cornerstone of healthy eating — and can also help you lose weight. Studies have shown that people who follow an olive-oil-rich Mediterranean-style diet have a lower incidence of heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, asthma, and atherosclerosis — and may actually cut their risk of death in half.
So go ahead and serve a generous portion of tomato sauce with your favorite organic meat — or, even occasionally, whole-grain pasta. It’ll be a delicious way to get some key nutrients that will improve your health. By eating delicious, nutritious, wholesome foods to propel you toward a leaner figure, a healthier lifestyle, and an all-around better way of life.

P2 Deals of the week!!

King Soopers
Asparagus $1.99 lb
Honey Crisp Apples $1.99 lb
Gala Apples $3.99 for a 5lb bag

Albertsons
Chicken Breast $2.49 lb
Petite Sirloins Buy one get one FREE
Strawberries 2 for $5
Apples .99 lb
Celery .69 lb

Sunflower
Apples .77 lb
Sweet Onions .77lb
Celery .77 ea
Red Grapefruit 2 for $1
Strawberries 2 for $5
Yellow and Red onions .99 lb
Romaine Lettuce 2 for $3
Chicken Breast $1.77 lb